SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-off-center-viewing

To see a dim object at night, where should a pilot look?

About 10 degrees off center, a few seconds at each spot.

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  1. About 10 degrees to the side of it ✔
  2. Straight at it without blinking
  3. About 30 degrees to the side of it

Why: Off-center viewing keeps the object on the rods in your side vision. The PHAK says look about 10 degrees above, below or to either side, and don't hold one spot more than 2 or 3 seconds.

Huh, didn't know that: Hold your gaze too long and even off-center images fade, because the rods stop responding until the scene changes.

The dad joke
My flight instructor told me to look 10 degrees off center. Now I can't find my car keys.
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References

Answer: About 10 degrees to the side of it. Off-center viewing keeps the object on the rods in your side vision. The PHAK says look about 10 degrees above, below or to either side, and don't hold one spot more than 2 or 3 seconds.

  1. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25C, Chapter 17 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/19_phak_ch17.pdf
    requires an object be viewed by looking 10° above, below, or to either side of the object.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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